Sapovirus - Information for Clinicians
Type of infection
Sapoviruses are a diverse group of caliciviruses, which are related to but distinct from norovirus.
Sources of infection
- More common in young children but can infect people of all ages.
- Virus is spread person-to-person by contact with stool and likely vomitus from infected persons.
- Causes outbreaks in schools, day care, nursing homes.
Usual symptoms
- Illness usually starts 1-4 days after exposure.
- Vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, headache, and less commonly fever.
Duration of illness
- Typically 1-4 days.
Treatment
- Fluid replacement and correction of electrolyte abnormalities. Antiemetics may be helpful in adults and teenagers. Antimotility agents may be useful for older children and adults.
- Antibiotics do not help and may make diarrhea worse.
Complications
- Dehydration is the major complication but is somewhat less common than occurs with norovirus.
Comments
- Less is known about transmission of sapovirus as compared with norovirus; however, sapovirus is highly transmissible.
- Wash hands carefully with soap and water.
- Clean contaminated surfaces and disinfect with bleach solution (5-25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water) or an EPA-registered disinfectant.
- Discuss prevention of secondary spread with patients.